NBA Makes History in Berlin as Magic Edge Grizzlies, Showcasing Germany’s Rising Hoops Culture
The NBA took a major step in its international expansion this week, staging its first-ever regular season game in Berlin, Germany-a city where basketball’s popularity is steadily climbing. The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies squared off in a game that delivered on energy and local pride, with the Magic pulling out the win in front of an enthusiastic, sold-out crowd.
Orlando was a natural fit for this landmark event. The Magic currently feature three key German players in their rotation: Franz Wagner, Moe Wagner, and rookie forward Tristan da Silva.
Having that trio take the floor in their home country wasn’t just symbolic-it was a celebration of Germany’s growing impact on the NBA. The crowd responded in kind, bringing a playoff-like atmosphere to the arena and showing just how much the game has grown in Europe.
While the Los Angeles Lakers weren’t selected to participate in the Berlin showcase, their presence was still felt through German-born big man Maxi Kleber. Though he couldn’t attend the game due to the Lakers’ schedule-L.A. played later that same day-Kleber spoke about how meaningful the event was for German basketball fans.
“It was a great event. Big for basketball,” Kleber said in an interview on Spectrum SportsNet.
“We’ve got a lot of basketball fans, it’s growing in Germany, so it was really great to see so many people interested in it. And then obviously with the Wagner brothers being back home in Berlin City, it was just overall an amazing event.
Everybody who came back to me said it was just fun to go to.”
Kleber’s comments reflect what many around the league are starting to realize: Germany isn’t just a country with a few NBA players-it’s a market with real passion and potential. The excitement surrounding the game, the long ticket waitlists, and the involvement of German basketball legend Dirk Nowitzki-who played a prominent role in the broadcast and fan outreach-only reinforced that point. The NBA’s Berlin debut wasn’t just a one-off; it felt like the beginning of something bigger.
Back stateside, Kleber was back in action on Saturday night, starting for the Lakers in their matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. With both Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes sidelined, head coach JJ Redick turned to Kleber to anchor the frontcourt.
The veteran responded with a solid showing-11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and five rebounds-but the Lakers struggled on the glass and dropped the game by 16. Portland out-rebounded L.A. 42-27, and that physicality made the difference.
Rookie Drew Timme, one of the Lakers’ two-way players, provided a bright spot off the bench. Timme poured in a career-high 21 points in 29 minutes, earning more floor time than Kleber in the process. With the Lakers thin at the center position, Timme’s emergence could be a timely development as they prepare for a quick turnaround against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night.
As for the NBA’s European journey, Berlin proved it can be a premier destination for future games. Between the local talent, the fan engagement, and the league’s commitment to global growth, Germany looks ready for more. And if Thursday’s game was any indication, the NBA might just have found its next international hotspot.